In this episode, Nolan and Kelli host A.J. Thomas of X, the moonshot factory from Alphabet. A.J for a discussion about failure, innovation, and embracing adversity. They also discuss the importance of scenario planning and asking all the questions upfront as a baseline for business optimization.
While at X, A.J. embraces the notion that professional breakthrough requires personal breakthrough and her perspective on the relentless pursuit of truth, dispassionate assessment, and the power of curiosity provides invaluable insights into cultivating a mindset of innovation and resilience.
HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.
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SPONSOR:
HR Heretics is brought to you by Attio. Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics
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KEEP UP WITH A.J., NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN
A.J.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelejeanthomas/
Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/
Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(02:07) Unique Approach to Onboarding
(10:09) Creative Hiring and Community Outreach
(13:07) Journey of Change and Clarity
(14:20) Sponsor: Attio
(15:52) Scenario Planning
(19:07) AJ's Journey to X, Google’s Moonshot Factory
(29:56) Embracing Failure Honour the Learning
(33:00) The Unrecruiting Route - Why You Shouldn't Join
(42:23) Dispassionate Assessment
(44:46) The Relentless Pursuit of Truth
(47:58) Authenticity
(50:48) Being on the Front Line and the Quest for Learning
